Light Middleweight John Thompson Looks To Stay Perfect December 1 At MSG

By Ronnie NathanielszPhilBoxing.comWed, 21 Nov 2012

John Thompson.In his young career, 23-year-old light middleweight prospect John “Apollo Kid” Thompson has already made a statement in the boxing world. Progressively getting better through each of his wins, the undefeated pugilist has caught the attention of top promoters in the game, earning the chance to fight in the grand Mecca of boxing—Madison Square Garden—in only his 10th professional bout.

As part of an action packed undercard leading up to the WBA world light middleweight title fight between belt holder Austin Trout and Miguel Cotto on December 1, Thompson will go to battle against an opponent to be named as he looks to continue his winning ways and work his way up a stacked division.

About fighting on the grand stage of the Garden, Thompson commented, “This is a big thing for me. A lot of people are going to be there. On a championship fight card, it is a great opportunity to be seen and get my name out there.”

Thompson (9-0, 3 KO) has had a busy year within the squared circle, stepping between the ropes six times within the first six months of the year, but hasn’t fought since June when he won a unanimous decision on a Tomasz Adamek undercard.

But the slick and crafty light middleweight doesn’t feel the inactivity from the ring will present a problem next Saturday night.

“Although I haven’t been active as far as fighting goes, I still have been sparring and working out hard,” said Thompson. “Training never stops.”

Following his last fight, Thompson’s team felt he needed work to make a few adjustments to keep him progressing along in his career and continue his bid to fight for a world championship one day, and so renowned trainer Buddy McGirt was brought on board, and Thompson’s father was made second in charge.

Training out of Elite Heat boxing gym in Newark, NJ, Thompson has established himself as one of the top up-and-coming prospects within the division due to his fast hands and feet, ring smarts and ability to execute during the fight.

In preparation for his upcoming bout next Saturday night, Thompson has been working with stable mate and WBA world light middleweight champion Austin Trout in conjunction with Greg Cohen Promotions and manager William Mielnicki.

With only nine fights under his belt, the young light middleweight already has displayed the poise and ring sense of a veteran of the game, and has shown each trip between the ropes his drive to get better.

“My dad got me in the boxing gym at the age of four, and when I was six I began competing,” said Thompson. “He always told me that you want the last round to look better than the first round. In the first round you’re not supposed to be trying to conserve energy…boxing is 90 percent mental, and 10 percent physical. You have to be strong mentally to be able to last.”

Thompson has the chance to show the boxing world what he has December 1 when he goes to battle at MSG, and an impressive win can easily put him in line to be fighting for one of the belts in early 2013.

“Going forward next year, I plan to have a couple bigger fights, and try to move my way up the ranks. That’s my goal for next year, and I want to win a belt.”

John Thompson has the skills and tools to make a big name for himself in the light middleweight division, and if his first nine fights are indicative of what lies ahead for the young fighter, then it seems he will have a promising future.

Watch John “Apollo Kid” Thompson continue his escalation through the light middleweight ranks at Madison Square Garden on December 1.